Zesty Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe: A Refreshing Sweet Treat

Sweet summer vibes dance through this key lime pie bars creation that promises a zesty twist on classic desserts.

Creamy textures mingle with bright citrus notes in every delectable bite.

Tropical flavors burst from a crumbly graham cracker base, delivering pure indulgence.

Cool and refreshing, these bars offer a perfect escape from sweltering afternoons.

Tangy lime essence cuts through rich cream, creating a balanced symphony of taste.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps make you a dessert hero in no time.

Why Easy Key Lime Pie Bars Are Refreshing

• Hassle-Free Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this dessert accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect Party Treat: Shareable bars are ideal for potlucks, summer gatherings, and casual celebrations where people want a refreshing sweet bite.
• Customize with Ease: Top with whipped cream, sprinkle zest, or add a drizzle of chocolate to personalize these tangy, creamy bars.

Easy Key Lime Pie Bars Ingredients

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the pie bars.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust and adds rich flavor.
• Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the graham cracker crust.

• Egg Yolks: Create a smooth and creamy texture for the pie bars.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and helps thicken the filling.
• Lime Juice, Lime Zest: Provides the signature tangy and bright key lime flavor.

• Whipped Cream: Offers a light and creamy contrast to the zesty lime filling.

How to Make Easy Key Lime Pie Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Base

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Melted butter
• Sugar

Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer that will serve as the delicious foundation for your bars.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes.

Watch for a light golden color that signals the crust is perfectly toasted.

Once done, remove and let it cool completely.

Step 4: Whip Up the Zesty Filling

• Egg yolks
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Fresh lime juice
• Lime zest

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, with no lumps in sight.

Step 5: Pour and Bake the Filling

Carefully pour the vibrant lime mixture over the cooled crust.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes.

The filling should look set but still have a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, transfer to the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 2 hours.

This helps the bars firm up and develop their incredible texture.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Cut the bars into perfect squares.

For an extra touch of decadence, top with a dollop of whipped cream just before serving.

These tangy, sweet bars are ready to become your new favorite dessert!

Tips for Easy Key Lime Pie Bars

• Toast graham cracker crumbs in the oven for 3-4 minutes before mixing with butter to enhance nutty flavor and create a crunchier base.
• Use fresh lime juice and zest instead of bottled juice for a brighter, more vibrant citrus taste that truly pops in every bite.
• Cool bars gradually by leaving them in the oven with the door slightly open after baking to reduce temperature shock and minimize surface cracks.
• Dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe dry between each slice for clean, precise edges that showcase the beautiful bar texture.
• Swap sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream and use vegan butter for graham cracker crust to create a delicious plant-based version.

Variations of Easy Key Lime Pie Bars

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Variation: Substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream and use egg replacer or silken tofu. Swap butter with coconut oil in the crust.
• Low-Carb Option: Create a crust using crushed pecans or macadamia nuts instead of graham crackers. Use a sugar substitute like erythritol to reduce carbohydrates.
• Tropical Remix: Add shredded coconut to the crust and garnish with fresh mango or passion fruit puree for an exotic flavor profile.

Serving Easy Key Lime Pie Bars

• Summer Picnic Star: These zesty bars travel perfectly in a cooler, making them an ideal dessert for outdoor gatherings or beach trips.
• Tropical Topping Paradise: Garnish with toasted coconut flakes, fresh lime slices, or a sprinkle of candied lime zest to elevate the presentation and add extra texture.
• Creamy Companion Delight: Pair with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of coconut sorbet for a refreshing and complementary flavor combination that enhances the key lime's tangy profile.
• Wine & Cocktail Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light mojito to complement the pie's bright, citrusy notes and create a sophisticated dessert experience.

Storing Easy Key Lime Pie Bars

• Seal key lime pie bars in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out or absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual bars separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Since these bars are best served chilled, avoid microwaving. Instead, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying to soften slightly.
• Add fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of lime zest just before serving to refresh the bars' appearance and taste after storage.

FAQs

• Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime juice?

Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can work in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% pure lime juice without added preservatives.

• How do I know when the filling is set?

The filling should look slightly firm and not jiggle too much when you gently shake the pan. It will continue to set as it cools.

• What type of graham crackers work best for the crust?

Standard honey or plain graham crackers are perfect. If you can’t find graham crackers, you can substitute with digestive biscuits.

• How tart will these key lime pie bars be?

These bars have a balanced tartness. The sweetened condensed milk helps mellow the lime’s acidity, creating a smooth, tangy-sweet flavor profile.

Easy Key Lime Pie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Key lime pie bars bring zesty Florida sunshine to your dessert table with a perfect balance of tangy citrus and creamy sweetness. Crumbly graham cracker crust and silky lime filling create a refreshing treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pie Filling:

• 4 egg yolks
• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh key lime juice
• 1 tablespoon key lime zest

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup (115 grams) melted butter
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar

Garnish:

• Whipped cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with light greasing.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, creating a cohesive base mixture.
3. Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the pan, ensuring an even layer.
4. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden hue, then remove and allow to cool completely.
5. Whisk egg yolks with sweetened condensed milk, incorporating fresh lime juice and zest until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
6. Gently pour the vibrant lime filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly to the edges.
7. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, watching for the filling to set with a slight jiggle in the center.
8. Remove from oven and let the bars cool at room temperature until they reach ambient temperature.
9. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to allow the bars to firm up and develop a rich, creamy texture.
10. Slice into neat squares and garnish with a dollop of whipped cream if desired, serving chilled for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Use fresh lime juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor instead of bottled juice which can taste flat or artificial.
• Chill bars thoroughly to help them set perfectly and develop a clean, crisp slice when cutting into squares.
• Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut or zest on top for extra texture and a tropical garnish that elevates the visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 260 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg